The Jervis Bay Pronunciation Puzzle: A Local and Historical Perspective
For many Australians, the stunning shores of Jervis Bay are a beloved destination, but its name often sparks confusion. While tourists frequently call it JAH-vis, locals and history buffs insist it should be pronounced JUR-vis. This debate has deep roots, stretching back centuries and involving naval traditions, family lineages, and community pride.
Local Insights: Correcting the Common Mispronunciation
Phil Smith, publican of the Nerriga Pub—a popular rest stop for Canberrans heading to the Shoalhaven—notes that mispronouncing the bay as JAH-vis could earn you a swift correction from regulars. "While tourists often call it JAH-vis, if I pronounced it like that, the regulars would run me out of town," he muses. This sentiment is echoed by Peter Palmer of the Huskisson Chamber of Commerce, who estimates that at least 50 percent of tourists get it wrong, prompting quick corrections from locals.
Even in Canberra, often touted as Australia's most educated city, slips occur. But is JAH-vis truly a mispronunciation? The evidence strongly suggests it is, based on historical records and authoritative sources.
Historical Origins: Honouring Admiral Sir John Jervis
To understand the correct pronunciation, we must journey back to August 1791. Lieutenant Bowen, seeking shelter en route to Port Jackson, sailed into the bay and renamed it in honour of his former commander, Admiral Sir John Jervis. The area was known by some traditional custodians as "a Bay of Plenty", but Bowen's tribute stuck.
Could Jervis have pronounced his surname JAH-vis? Absolutely not. In 1928, a letter from Mr Jervis Manton to Sir Littleton Groom, Speaker of the House of Representatives, made headlines in The Canberra Times. Manton pleaded, "May I please assure you that the correct pronunciation of this word is Jervis [JUR-vis] and not Jarvis [JAH-vis]." He explained his familial connection to Sir Thomas Jervis, a cousin of Sir John, reinforcing the JUR-vis usage.
Navy Traditions and Modern Confusion
Ironically, despite the historical clarity, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has long used the JAH-vis pronunciation, especially at HMAS Creswell on the bay's shores. Navy veterans confess to this tradition, possibly linked to Jervis's nickname 'old Jarvy'. However, official spokespeople remain tight-lipped, and RAN historians note the widespread use without definitive evidence for its origin.
The ABC Pronounce Database highlights this disparity, stating that while the BBC recommends 'JUR-vuhs', the RAN prefers 'JAH-vuhs'. This naval tradition has fueled confusion, but local efforts are underway to set the record straight.
Community Efforts and Educational Initiatives
Local schools and businesses in Huskisson actively educate newcomers and tourists. Sonia Tooley of Jervis Bay Wild explains that while tourists are excused, employees must use JUR-vis or face consequences. "When we moved to Huskisson, one of the first things the kids learnt in preschool was how to pronounce it correctly," she says.
Inspired by signs on the Bruce Highway that guide pronunciation for places like Tiaro, some suggest similar signage on the Princes Highway near Jervis Bay, perhaps with a rhyme like "Jervis rhymes with service".
A Historian's Crusade and Reward
In the early 1970s, military historian Bill Soper took a firm stance against the mispronunciation. He offered a $1000 reward—a significant sum at the time—to anyone who could prove Jervis Bay should be called Jarvis. In his unpublished manuscript, Soper blamed "upper-deck" Navy personnel for perpetuating the error. His efforts likely contributed to the shift towards JUR-vis among local civilians.
Today, while the Navy may cling to tradition, the consensus among Jervis Bay residents is clear: it's JUR-vis, honoring the legacy of Admiral Sir John Jervis and preserving regional heritage.
